What is the Bible?
"The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good, the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents."
The Gideons International, The New Testament, National Publishing Company, 1985, preface
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Which Bible Should You Read?
There are many different Bible translations available to read online or purchase. Each version approaches the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts in its own way, resulting in noticeable differences in wording and style. Over time, most translations also receive updates to improve clarity, accuracy, or readability. In nearly all respected translations, the core doctrines of the Christian faith remain intact. However, small nuances in wording can sometimes affect the meaning or emphasis of certain passages. One of the best ways to study the Bible is to read multiple translations. Going through different versions each time you read a book or the entire Bible gives you a fuller, more well-rounded understanding of the text. You can also compare translations verse-by-verse using excellent online tools like BibleHub.com, BibleGateway.com, or Logos Bible Software.
Below is a list of the top 10 Bible translations, based primarily on recent ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller data for English translations (with some non-English like Reina Valera appearing due to U.S. sales).
Rankings fluctuate slightly month to month or year to year, but the core group (NIV, ESV, KJV, NLT, NKJV, CSB, NASB, etc.) remains stable.1.
NIV (New International Version) A highly popular modern translation (1978, updated 2011) created by over 100 scholars. It strikes an excellent balance between accuracy and readability using "dynamic equivalence" (thought-for-thought where needed). Widely used in churches and personal reading for its clear, contemporary English.
ESV (English Standard Version) Published in 2001 (with later revisions), this is an "essentially literal" or word-for-word translation. It aims for precision to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek while maintaining literary excellence and readability. Popular for in-depth study, preaching, and memorization.
KJV (King James Version) The classic 1611 translation (often called the Authorized Version). Famous for its majestic, poetic language and profound cultural/literary influence. Still widely loved, though its archaic English (thees/thous) can be harder for modern readers. Based on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament.
NLT (New Living Translation) Released in 1996 (updated since), this is a dynamic, thought-for-thought translation focused on maximum readability and natural modern English. It conveys the meaning and feel of the original in everyday language, making it great for new readers or devotional use.
NKJV (New King James Version) A 1982 update to the KJV that preserves much of its beauty, rhythm, and dignity while replacing archaic words with contemporary ones. It uses a similar textual basis to the KJV but with modern readability. Good bridge between traditional and modern.
CSB (Christian Standard Bible) A 2017 translation (revision of the HCSB) that uses "optimal equivalence." It balances word-for-word accuracy with readability, aiming to be clear and faithful without being overly literal or loose. Gaining popularity for its fresh yet accurate rendering.
NASB (New American Standard Bible) Known as one of the most literal word-for-word translations (updated 2020). It prioritizes precision and formal equivalence, staying very close to the original structure and wording. Highly regarded for serious study, though it can feel more wooden in places.
NIrV (New International Reader's Version) A simplified version of the NIV designed for children, new readers, or those with lower reading levels. It uses shorter sentences and easier vocabulary while staying true to the NIV's meaning.
NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) / NRSVue. A scholarly update (1989, with 2021 edition) in the King James tradition. It is formal/literal with inclusive language updates. Widely used in academic and mainline Protestant settings for its rigor and balance.
Reina Valera (or other versions like The Message) Reina Valera is a classic, influential Spanish translation (often in the top 10 U.S. sales). Alternatively, paraphrases like The Message (a contemporary, idiomatic rendering by Eugene Peterson) sometimes appear for their accessibility and fresh perspective.
If you're choosing one, consider your purpose: study (ESV/NASB), daily reading (NIV/NLT), or tradition (NKJV).
How to Read the Bible.
There are many opinions on how to read the bible. Is it a book of fables that we can learn lessons from, or are the stories in the bible all true and did they happen in reality? Perhaps the best advice on reading the bible comes from Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum.
Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (founder of Ariel Ministries) emphasizes a disciplined, literal, and methodical approach to Bible study rooted in solid hermeneutics (principles of interpretation). He teaches this in detail in sessions like his youtube series;
“How to Study the Bible: Hermeneutics Pt 1”
“How to Study the Bible: Hermeneutics Pt 2”
Core Approach: Observation → Interpretation → Evaluation/Application → Correlation
Dr. Fruchtenbaum outlines a structured process:
- Observation: See what the text actually says. Look for key terms, structure (e.g., chronological or not), literary form (historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, apocalyptic, etc.), and context.
- Interpretation: Determine the meaning in its original context. Context is everything.
- Evaluation & Application: Identify the truths taught and decide if they are timeless or specific to a certain period (e.g., different law codes across Scripture).
- Correlation: Compare related passages across the whole Bible for a fuller understanding.
The Golden Rule of Interpretation, and this is central to Fruchtenbaum’s teaching (drawn from Dr. David L. Cooper). He often requires students to memorize it:
“When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise.”
He stresses applying the same rules to prophetic passages as to non-prophetic ones — a consistent literal interpretation unless the text clearly indicates otherwise (e.g., obvious symbolism).
Additional Key Principles He Highlights
- Law of Double Reference — A passage may refer to two different events or time periods (near and far fulfillment).
- Law of Recurrence — Scripture sometimes expands on a topic by returning to it and giving more details.
- Law of Context — Always interpret in light of immediate and broader biblical context.
- Pay attention to Jewish background, poetry (parallelism), apocalyptic literature (visions, symbols explained by angels), and distinctions between Israel and the Church.
Practical Advice
- Read different translations for better understanding, but prioritize accuracy (he has recommended the NASB Ryrie Study Bible in some teachings).
- Study verse-by-verse in context rather than isolating verses.
- Build a broad foundation by studying topics progressively across Scripture.
- Avoid common mistakes like ignoring literary form, forcing allegory, or inconsistent rules for prophecy.
Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s overall goal is to let the Bible speak for itself through careful, consistent interpretation — especially from a Messianic Jewish perspective that honors its Hebrew roots while maintaining dispensational clarity.
